News

Activists Push For Popularisation Of ‘Ogonize’, ‘Sarowiwize’ In Climate, Other Campaigns

Published

7 months ago

October 9, 2025

Editor

Human rights and environmental activists have pushed for the popularisation of words such as #Ogonize’, #Sarowiwize’; #Shikokize’, #Aigbuhaenze’,
#Awua’, #Brasinize’ #Adanegberize’, #Otogize’, amongst others, in the campaign for human and climate justice.

The activists, including Edo State former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana; Interim Administrator, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), Rita Uwaka; Programme Manager, Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), Innocent Edemhanria; Comrade Cynthia Bright, Executive Director, Grassroots Women Empowerment and Development Organisation (GWEDO), amongst others spoke at a programme organised by Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) with the theme: Birthing Words for Campaigns.

Speaking on the origin of the words and their usages, the activists said #Sarowiwize’ was derived from an environmental activist name, Ken Saro-Wiwa, which means ‘community mobilising for environmental justice; remembrance of hero in environmental justice,’ and that #Ogonize’ simple means ‘struggle for environmental justice.’

Saro-Wiwa led a nonviolent campaign against environmental degradation of the land and waters of Ogoniland by the operations of the multiple international oil companies, especially the Royal Dutch Shell Company, was tried by a special military tribunal for allegedly masterminding the murder of Ogoni chiefs at a pro-government meeting, and hanged in 1995 by the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha.

According to the activists,
#Chikokize’, means a ‘collective struggle; struggle for impacted communities, mangrove and workers.’

They explained that, #Aigbuhaenze, which was derived from a Benin word means: ‘Do not pollute the water or do not compromise the source or collective welfare for generations to come,’ while #Adanegberize, which was also derived from a Benin word means ‘care for each other even in the struggle.’

They further explained that #Awua’, was also derived from a Benin word, meaning: ‘it is forbidden – economic injustice is forbidden.’

According to them, #Brasinize’ was derived from an Ijaw word, meaning ‘leave the resources in the soil,’ while #Otogize’ was derived from a Yoruba word which means ‘enough is enough for oil extraction.’

The activists, who emphasised the need for the popularisation of these new words, stressed that words, if appropriate applied, are powerful, and could drive authority to speedy action.

In his opening remarks, Executive Director, HOMEF, Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, emphasised the need for activists to create new words in their campaign for environmental justice, saying these words can move authorities concerned to speedy action.

According to Bassey, words can be obscure and can also mobilise for environmental struggle if appropriately used.

In his key note address, a language expert, and consultant for Oxford Dictionaries on review of lists of Nigerian English words for possible inclusion, Dr. Kingsley Ugwuanyi, described words as action and powerful.

“When we speak, we are not just describing the words, but we are also acting in it. Because words are action, and words do things,” he said.

The translator and lexicographer, English-Igbo dictionary, and English Language consultant & tutor,
iTutor Group, Taiwan, said
words could shift the struggle for environmental justice, revealing that if these words are repeatedly used for 10 years, they could be considered for inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.